1.
memorandum; note; informal record
a written note to help remember something or record information
覚書を作っておく。
I'll make a note to remember.
会議の内容を覚書にまとめた。
I summarized the meeting contents in a memo.
打ち合わせの前に覚書を読み返した。
I reread my notes before the meeting.
2.
memorandum of understanding (MOU)
a formal but non-binding agreement between parties outlining terms and conditions
両社は業務提携に関する覚書を締結した。
Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding regarding their business partnership.
政府は相手国と経済協力の覚書を交わした。
The government exchanged a memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation with the other country.
覚書は正式な契約とは異なり、法的拘束力がない場合が多い。
Unlike a formal contract, a memorandum of understanding often has no legal binding force.
覚書 has two main uses: personal notes/memos and formal memoranda of understanding.
KANJI BREAKDOWN:
- 覚える (to remember, memorize)
- 書き (writing)
SENSE 1 - PERSONAL NOTES:
- Used for informal notes to oneself
- Similar to メモ but slightly more formal
SENSE 2 - BUSINESS/LEGAL MOU:
- Less binding than a formal contract
- Used to record preliminary agreements
- Common in international business and diplomacy
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 覚書を交わす (to exchange memoranda)
- 覚書を締結する (to conclude an MOU)
- 覚書に署名する (to sign an MOU)
RELATED TERMS:
- メモ (memo - informal)
- 契約書 (contract - more binding)
- 合意書 (agreement document)